Update 4: Southern Alberta wildfire situation

This situation update is current as of 11 a.m. No further situation updates are anticipated.

Current situation

The wildfire near Coleman is now being held.

The evacuation order in Crowsnest Pass has now been lifted.

A State of Local Emergency remains in effect for Crowsnest Pass.

Agriculture and Forestry has deployed 43 firefighters and support, five helicopters and heavy equipment to fight the 99-hectare blaze. Today, firefighters will be working to surround the fire with a fire guard and fully contain it.

Government of Alberta support

In addition to firefighting resources for the Crowsnest Pass fire, the Government of Alberta provided background support to local authorities during this response. This included:

One System on Wheels with 100 radios and three staff deployed to the Crowsnest Pass area.

Six Environment and Parks conservation officers supporting RCMP.

72 cots were delivered to Pincher Creek through the Provincial Emergency Social Services system.

Six fish and wildlife officers from Justice and Solicitor General.

Four field officers from Alberta Emergency Management Agency to support local authorities.

Update 2 - Oct. 17 at 11:45 a.m.

Crowsnest Pass: An out-of-control wildfire is burning near Coleman. Two barns and two outbuildings were confirmed lost to fire. The local fish hatchery also sustained damage.

Evacuation orders have been lifted for;:

Wheatland County: Residents are now allowed to return home. Four homes were lost in the hamlet of Gleichen, two homes were lost in the hamlet of Stobart.

Cypress County: The fire has been extinguished. Local authorities are coordinating return of evacuees.

M.D. of Willow Creek: The fire has been extinguished. The Municipal District of Willow Creek Fires Services is coordinating the re-entry of evacuees.

Rockyview County: One home was reported lost in Airdrie. Residents have been allowed back.

Acadia: Two homes were reported lost in Acadia Valley.

Siksika First Nation: Two homes were reported lost.

Evacuation and reception centres

The reception centre in Pincher Creek remains open for evacuees from Crowsnest Pass and Coleman.

Reception centres been closed in Airdrie, Oyen, Siksika First Nation, Standard and Strathmore.

Wildfire activity

Wind warnings remain in effect for the southwest corner of the province. This will hamper local fire responses.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has 25 wildland firefighters supporting local fire departments and four helicopters are deployed. Fire guards were constructed throughout the night to provide protection for the community of Coleman.

There is currently one wildfire of concern in the Fire Protection Area west of Coleman in Crowsnest Pass.

Travel

Update 1 - Oct. 17 at 11 p.m.

Crowsnest Pass: An out of control wildfire is burning near Coleman. One section of Coleman has been evacuated; the remainder of the town is on standby to evacuate.

Cypress County: a fire has forced the evacuation of the northeast section of the county and the hamlets of Schuler and Hilda. Approximately 200 residents have been advised to evacuate to Medicine Hat.

Wheatland County: A State of Local Emergency has been declared. Residents of Gleichen have been evacuated. Reception centres have been established in Strathmore and Standard. Structure damage has been reported.

M.D of Willow Creek: several residents of the hamlet of Moon River Estates have been ordered to evacuate. An evacuation centre is set up at the Fort Macleod hall. A number of residents are sheltering in place and are not under threat from the fire. No structures have been lost.

Evacuation orders have ended for:

Siksika First Nation: residents can return home. Structural damage has been confirmed.

Municipal District of Acadia: residents of Acadia Valley can return home.